A Cuban woman has taken to TikTok to demonstrate the meager purchasing power of a monthly salary between 4,500 and 5,000 Cuban pesos, barely enough to secure basic groceries.
In her video, she breaks down the cost of several items and calculates the total needed for a shopping list that includes rice, beans, garlic, onions, coffee, and sugar.
She details spending 850 pesos on five pounds of rice, 1,200 pesos on four pounds of beans, 480 pesos on garlic and onions, 1,200 pesos on a pack of coffee, and another 1,200 pesos on four pounds of sugar.
The sum reaches 4,930 Cuban pesos, nearly exhausting the salary in question.
"I'm left with seventy pesos, which isn't enough to buy any meat, eggs, or oil," she remarks in the video.
The post sparked a significant response on TikTok, with users commenting on the high cost of food and the diminished purchasing power of wages in Cuba.
The Economic Strain on Cuban Families
This situation highlights the widening gap between workers' incomes and the prices of essential goods in Cuba, amid a prolonged economic crisis impacting Cuban households.
In 2026, the Cuban government set a minimum monthly wage of 3,210 pesos for state sector workers, according to Resolution 14/2026 from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
This regulation, effective from July 1, 2026, also introduced new pay scales for certain budgeted sector employees. For instance, group XVII salaries can reach up to 7,045 pesos monthly.
Even with a 5,000-peso income, the shopping depicted by the Cuban woman consumes 98.6% of that amount, leaving a paltry 70 pesos for other food, services, and monthly necessities.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why is the cost of living so high in Cuba?
Cuba's high cost of living is attributed to economic policies, inflation, and limited access to goods, which drive up prices for basic necessities.
What is the minimum wage in Cuba?
As of 2026, the minimum monthly wage for state sector workers in Cuba is set at 3,210 pesos, based on government regulations.
How does the Cuban economic crisis affect families?
The economic crisis in Cuba leads to increased prices and limited availability of goods, making it difficult for families to meet their basic needs with the available wages.